AES: Assessment of Mali’s presidency of the Alliance of Sahel States, notable advances in security, diplomacy and development

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, General Assimi Goïta, President of the Malian Transition and Head of State, chaired a high-level meeting at the Koulouba Palace to assess the progress made under Mali’s presidency of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The meeting, attended by eight government members, including the Ministers of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Economy, provided an update on the actions taken since the first AES summit in July 2024 in Niamey.

General Sadio Camara, Minister of Defense, highlighted the successes of the joint force established by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This collaboration has yielded concrete results, notably during Operation Yéréko, which is currently in its second phase. The operation has neutralized terrorists and seized weapons in the tri-border area. The exchange of experiences and resource sharing between the armed forces of the three countries has strengthened their effectiveness on the ground.

Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the diplomatic progress of the AES. Under Mali’s leadership, the Alliance has gained visibility through the creation of a common flag, logo, and passport. The three countries also display remarkable unity on the international stage, with joint positions expressed in official declarations. Strategic partnerships have been established to enhance regional and international cooperation.

Economically, Alhousseini Sanou, Minister of Economy and Finance, presented major advancements. The creation of the Confederative Investment and Development Bank, with an initial capital of 500 billion FCFA, marks a key milestone. Additionally, a common Customs Code has been developed to facilitate trade, while infrastructure projects, such as a railway and a joint airline, are in the planning stages. Finally, the establishment of a food security stock aims to ensure the supply of essential goods for the three countries.

This meeting, held three months before the end of Mali’s presidency, provided a positive review of the AES’s achievements and laid the groundwork for the next steps in this strengthened regional cooperation. The joint efforts of the three countries reflect a shared commitment to addressing the security, economic, and diplomatic challenges of the Sahel.